8-Nights Secrets of Southern Mexico - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City rises in a high-altitude valley, where centuries-old cathedrals stand beside gleaming skyscrapers. The aroma of roasted corn and sizzling tacos drifts through lively streets filled with music, traffic and conversation. Colorful murals stretch across ancient stone walls, telling stories of revolution, identity and resilience. In spring, lavender blooms from jacaranda trees soften the city’s constant motion.

Glide through Xochimilco’s scenic canals aboard a vibrant trajinera, taking in the beauty and history of the chinampas — ancient floating gardens that still sustain local agriculture. The journey concludes with a farm-to-table feast: Oaxacan chicken tamales in green sauce, salad made with chinampa-grown produce, ranchero cheeses, Cuajimalpa avocado guacamole, crispy corn totopos, tamarind-chia water and traditional coffee. At Casa Azul, explore the vivid former home of Frida Kahlo, now a museum filled with her artwork and personal treasures.

A private, full-day tour introduces Mexico City’s layered history, beginning at Teotihuacán, the ancient city known for the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon and the grand Avenue of the Dead. Time is set aside to explore the site or climb the pyramids for sweeping views of the valley. The afternoon focuses on the historic center at the Zócalo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable stops include the National Palace with Diego Rivera’s murals, the Metropolitan Cathedral built atop Aztec ruins and the grand Palacio de Bellas Artes, celebrated for its art, music and architecture.

Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, combines colonial architecture with deep culinary and artistic traditions. Known as the birthplace of mole poblano, the city features Talavera-tiled facades, more than 70 churches in the historic center and a strong presence of arts and literature. The Puebla Cathedral reflects Renaissance influences, while the central Zócalo offers a hub of local life. The Museo Amparo holds a significant collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. Nearby Cholula is home to the Great Pyramid, notable for its immense scale, hidden tunnels and the hilltop Church of Our Lady of Remedies overlooking the valley.

The historic center of Puebla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals layers of culture through its architecture and traditions. The gold-covered Capilla del Rosario and the ornate City Hall reflect Baroque influence, while the Zócalo remains a gathering place at the city’s heart. Inside the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, 18th-century bookshelves and an altar to the Virgin of Trapani speak to Puebla’s intellectual and spiritual legacy. A four-hour culinary tour complements the experience with tamales, Zacatlán bread, hot chocolate, mini enmoladas, tacos árabes, molotes and traditional sweets.

Oaxaca balances colonial elegance with deep heritage, expressed through its architecture, crafts and cuisine. The historic center features centuries-old churches, bustling markets and artisan workshops, while nearby villages are known for handwoven textiles and traditional pottery. Surrounding forests and temperate highlands support ecological diversity and produce some of Latin America’s most celebrated coffee. On the Pacific coast, Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Mazunte offer relaxed beach towns shaped by surf culture and natural beauty.

The ruins of Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, overlook the valleys surrounding Oaxaca and reflect the enduring legacy of the Zapotec civilization. Terraced hills and stone plazas reveal a complex city that flourished for over 1,000 years. Guided by an expert, visitors explore ceremonial platforms, carved reliefs and tombs that showcase Zapotec artistry and ritual life. The Grand Plaza, the Observatory and the Ball Court help illustrate the city’s advanced understanding of astronomy, engineering and culture.

Your final day is spent exploring the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. Learn to select the freshest ingredients at a local market, later diving into hands-on cooking that highlights the region’s rich, complex flavors and authentic recipes.

Transfer to Merida Airport for your departure flight.